In Memorium

Rev. Fr. Veno Fern

மண்ணில் : 17.02.1948, இறைப் பணியில் : 24.04.1977, விண்ணில் : 31.08.2020

My brother, Rev. Fr. Britto Venantius Fernanado (Veno Fern) was born on 17.02.1948 to Mr. Gaspar Fernando & Mrs. Antoniammal Fernando. He had seven siblings out of which one is a Religious Sister and four are Priests. The first one in the family is Sr. Hermina, who is no more now. His elder brother was a diocesan priest, namely, the late Rev. Fr. Julian Fernando. Another brother is Rev. Fr. Oswald who was excardinated from the diocese of Tuticorin to a diocese in Chile, South America. The third brother is a Capuchin, Rev. Fr. Joseph OFM(Cap.) and the fourth one is myself, a Jesuit, Rev. Fr. Wellington.

He did his UG in Loyola College, Chennai (1968-1971), PG in Kamarajar University, Madurai (2001) and Mass Communication in Chennai (1982-2002). He was ordained as a Jesuit on 24.04.1977 in Madurai. In 2002 he was incardinated into the Diocese of Tuticorin. 

He was assigned in Punnaikayal parish as a socius in 2005. At the parish of Chettivilai he was assigned as a parish priest from 2007 to 2008. Again, he was assigned as a socius in Vallioor in 2008. As his health had been deteriorating, he stayed in St. Francis Xavier Home for Priests, where he remained till his last breath.

Rev. Fr. Veno Fern was of different caliber, a unique person in our family. He rarely mingled with us. He ardently loved silence and solitude. He was an artist beyond comparison. He was a well renowned photographer. He was a professional in Computer Graphics and Editing. He worked in Tamil film industry with veterans like Lenin Ashok L. Kumar and Balu Mahendra. He has designed frames for Madurai Jesuit province vocation promotion exhibition. They are still displayed there.

He has had a thorn in his flesh till he breathed his last. He was hurt that his talents were not recognised. At no cost he compromised in his religious vocation and greatly treasured his priestly consecration. May his soul rest in peace!